Football bid unity needed

'UNITED we stand, divided we fall' might be the winning strategy for Central Queensland's football dreams.

Last night Capricorn Cougars coach and regional development officer Joe Fenech urged the region to band together in the name of elite football.

During the coming months Football Queensland embarks on a process to bring together the 12 best applicants to form the Australian Premier League in the Sunshine State.

"I wanted to explain what it would take to have Central Queensland represented and what it means," Fenech said.

Only 12 applicants for the Australian Premier League will be successful from throughout the state, currently Central Queensland has four bids and according to Fenech it is highly likely only one will be successful.

The purpose of last night's meeting at the Grand Hotel was to convince Gladstone clubs the best way to win a spot in the league was to work together to put one successful bid forward for Central Queensland, not four.

"We need to work together to put Central Queensland on the map in terms of football and to give our kids the very best opportunities," Fenech said.

However, to obtain a successful bid, Fenech outlined various issues the region needed to overcome. Coaching and facilities were top of the list.

Fenech said the criteria was stringent and advanced coaching licences would need to be obtained.

Facilities to train and play at were also of concern, with the possibility of 10 new teams on the cards, but he wanted to remain realistic.

"To be honest we don't have the numbers or the facilities to have more then one Central Queensland team.

"It is critical we work together and not out of self interest."

Australian Premier League

The new Australian Premier League aims to develop the best talent across all age groups from senior First Team Football to Under-12